US and Germany as Exceptions: 6 Western Countries Restrict Arms Sales to Israel

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 As the war in Gaza nears its second year, the number of Western countries imposing restrictions on arms sales to Israel has increased.

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The United Kingdom is the latest to take such a measure, having decided to suspend 30 of the 350 licenses for arms sales to Tel Aviv due to the Gaza war and concerns over the potential misuse of these weapons in violation of international humanitarian law, according to the Washington Post.

This British decision follows a review of arms licenses exported to Israel conducted by the Labour government that took office last July.

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Although British arms constitute only a small part of Israeli imports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the decision, stating, “With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future.”

Here is a list of countries that have suspended or restricted arms exports to Israel, according to the Washington Post:

United Kingdom

The UK has announced the suspension of approximately 30 out of around 350 licenses for arms exports to Israel, including components used in military aircraft, helicopters, drones, and elements used for targeting ground objectives.

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The partial ban includes items “that could be used in the current Gaza conflict” between Israel and Hamas.

Opinion polls show widespread support in the UK for a complete halt to arms sales to Israel. A YouGov survey at the end of July found that over 50% support the decision, compared to only 13% in opposition.

Italy

Italy announced late last year that it would stop sending arms to Israel, although some arms exports to other countries continue. The Italian government stated it would honor current requests provided the weapons are not used against civilians.

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Italy was the third-largest arms supplier to Israel between 2019 and 2023, with its arms constituting 0.9% of Israeli imports during that period, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Spain

In February, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the country had not approved any arms sales to Israel since October 7 of the previous year. However, local newspapers reported that arms exports approved before the conflict were sent to Israel after the war broke out.

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Netherlands

A court ordered the Dutch government to halt the export of parts for “F-35” aircraft to Israel due to the clear risks of serious violations of international humanitarian law, in response to a lawsuit filed by Oxfam Novib and other human rights groups.

The Supreme Court is set to review this week the Dutch government’s appeal against the decision.

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Belgium

In February, the Walloon region of Belgium suspended two licenses for the export of gunpowder to Israel, following a decision by the International Court of Justice requiring Tel Aviv to do more to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza.

Canada

In March, the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the country had not approved any permits for arms exports to Israel since January 8 of the previous year, adding that the halt would continue until Israel announces “full compliance” with export controls.

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Permits granted before January 8 will remain valid.

Additionally, the Canadian House of Commons passed a non-binding resolution in March calling for the cessation of any further arms export authorizations to Israel.

In contrast, other countries continue to supply arms to Israel, including the United States and Germany:

United States

According to the Washington Post, the United States, the main supplier of arms to the Israeli army, has provided $6.5 billion in security aid to Israel since October 7. American weapons accounted for 69% of Tel Aviv’s total arms imports between 2019 and 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

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In May, the United States halted a shipment of weapons, including bombs weighing between 500 and 2000 pounds, when Israel threatened to invade the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, where the majority of displaced Palestinians had sought refuge.

The United States reversed its decision on the 500-pound bombs in July.

Germany

In April, lawyers before the International Court of Justice stated that Germany had approved the sale of arms and military equipment to Israel worth $275 million since October, facing legal hurdles regarding the supply of arms to the Jewish state.

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Germany stated that most of these sales occurred in October of the previous year, and approvals have declined significantly since then.

Germany is the second-largest arms supplier to Israel after the United States, with exports reaching $354 million last year.